1. Update the system: Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y to ensure the latest environment; 2. Install Java: Use sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk -y to install OpenJDK 17 that is adapted to the new version of Minecraft; 3. Create a dedicated user: execute adduser minecraft and switch su - minecraft to improve security; 4. Download the server JAR: Use wget to obtain the official Minecraft server jar file and rename it to minecraft_server.jar; 5. First run generation configuration: execute java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui and modify eula=true in eula.txt; 6. Start the service again: The same command runs the server again and shuts it down normally to complete the initialization; 7. Background run settings: Optional screen or create systemd service (recommended) to achieve self-start; 8. Open port: Use sudo ufw to allow 25565/tcp and confirm that the VPS firewall to release the port; 9. Connection test: Add server IP: 25565 to the Minecraft client to verify the successful connection, so you have a Minecraft server running stably on Linux VPS.

Setting up a Minecraft server on a Linux VPS isn't as intimidating as it sounds—especially if you're comfortable with basic command-line tools. Here's how to do it step by step, assuming you're using Ubuntu or Debian (most common for VPS providers like DigitalOcean, Linode, or AWS).

? 1. Update Your System

Before installing anything, make sure your system is up to date:

 sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

? 2. Install Java

Minecraft Java Edition servers require Java. Install OpenJDK 17 (recommended for newer Minecraft versions like 1.17):

 sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk -y

Check it's installed:

 java -version

You should see something like openjdk version "17.xx" .

? 3. Create a User for the Server (Optional but Recommended)

Don't run Minecraft as root. Create a dedicated user:

 adduser minecraft

Then switch to that user:

 su - minecraft

? 4. Download Minecraft Server JAR

Go to the official Minecraft server download page and copy the latest server JAR link.

In your terminal (as the minecraft user):

 wget <paste-the-jar-url-here>
# Example:
wget https://piston-data.mojang.com/v1/objects/84194a2f286ef7c1cfed88c85b5238f8075e168e/server.jar

Rename it for simplicity (optional):

 mv server.jar minecraft_server.jar

? 5. Run the Server Once to Generate Config Files

 java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

• -Xmx2G = max RAM (adjust based on your VPS—1GB min, 2–4GB ideal)
• -Xms1G = starting RAM
• nogui = no GUI (required on headless servers)

This will fail the first time because eula.txt doesn't exist yet.

Now edit the EULA:

 nano eula.txt

Change eula=false to eula=true , save and exit ( Ctrl O , Enter , Ctrl X ).

? 6. Start the Server Again

 java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

Now it should start and generate world files, server.properties , etc.

Once it fully starts, type stop in the console to shut it down cleanly.

? 7. Make It Run in Background (Use Screen or Systemd)

Option A: Using screen (Simple)

Install screen:

 sudo apt install screen -y

Then:

 screen -S minecraft
java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

Press Ctrl A , then D to detach. To reattach later:

 screen -r minecraft

Option B: Use a systemd service (Better for auto-start)

As root, create a service file:

 sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/minecraft.service

Paste this (adjust paths and RAM):

 [Unit]
Description=Minecraft Server
After=network.target

[Service]
User=minecraft
WorkingDirectory=/home/minecraft
ExecStart=/usr/bin/java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui
Restart=always

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Save, then:

 sudo systemctl enable minecraft.service
sudo systemctl start minecraft.service

Check status:

 sudo systemctl status minecraft.service

? 8. Open the Port

Minecraft uses port 25565 by default. Allow it:

 sudo ufw allows 25565/tcp

(If UFW isn't set up yet, run sudo ufw enable first.)

Also make sure your VPS provider allows that port in their firewall/network settings (eg, DigitalOcean Cloud Firewalls).

? 9. Connect to Your Server

From the Minecraft client:

• Multiplayer → Add Server
• Server Address: your.vps.ip.address:25565

If you can connect, congrats! You've got a working server.

? Bonus Tips

• Backups : Regularly back up the /home/minecraft folder (especially world/ ).
• Plugins : Install PaperMC instead of vanilla for better performance and plugin support.
• Performance : If your VPS has 1GB RAM or less, consider using Aikar's flags for better GC tuning.

That's it! You now have a functional, background-running Minecraft server on your Linux VPS.
No need for hosting services—just your own box and a little command line magic.

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